Paintings by Samuel Indratma, Arya Pandjalu and Farhan Siki
at Biasa Artspace, Jl. Raya Seminyak 34, Seminyak.
Tel: 7442902.
Continuing their project ‘Open Daily’, which offers a variety of artists the opportunity to explore unique spatial environments, this month the Biasa Artspace presents new works by three Indonesian artists: Samuel Indratma, Arya Pandjalu and Farhan Siki. They have collaborated in the past under the umbrella of a group known as ‘Apotik Komik’ (Comics Apothecary), which was formed by Samuel Indratma in 1997. ‘Apotik Komik’ plays a major role in the Yogyakarta street art movement, voicing urban, political and social issues. Each artist appropriates the imagery and language of comic strips and urban street culture. That means graffiti which is drawn, painted or sprayed on walls of public buildings and the like, done on the run, and with whatever means are at hand. Their work has elements of surprise and subversion. It is a mix of parody and twisted logic, and the comic strip and pseudo graffiti style paintings become the feature of this exciting and energetic exhibition.
Yogyakarta brought Samuel Indratma, Arya Pandjalu and Farhan Siki together, and they often share ideas surrounding their work in the visual arts. The trio increasingly works out on the streets and open spaces of their hometown of Yogyakarta, as well as in other cities. Narrow streets, dingy gray walls, the pillars of a bridge, rented homes and village alleyways become their urban galleries, where they try to distribute their works with a “lightness of being”. Speaking for the group, Samuel Indratma states that: “Currently, we are most interested in exploring spaces that allow the distribution of works in an egalitarian, inspirational and open-minded manner. From such a space, we would be able to comfortably share and communicate with a wider public.” Consequently, for their exhibition at Biasa, the three artists present works which respond to the spatial dimensions of the Biasa Artspace itself. The group also uses many different materials in the composition of the works on display. There is spray paint from aerosol cans on canvas, synthetic enamel on corrugated iron, compositions of found objects, drawings on paper, digital prints of photographs, banners, posters, and painted murals on gypsum board.
On entering the gallery the spectator is immediately confronted by a large mural, entitled ‘All Open’, which is a collaborative work created by the three artists. This impressive piece exudes strength, vitality and exuberance. It is as if a completed graffiti mural, from a back street in Yogyakarta, has been transplanted to the gallery. The work also successfully establishes each artist’s individual themes, which will then be investigated in the exhibition.
Samuel Indratma was born in Gombong, Central Java, in 1970. He has exhibited and collaborated widely throughout Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region. In works such as ‘Damai Itu Gelisah’, ‘Anak Oke’ and ‘Together Alone’, Indratma presents spontaneous graffiti-like street posters that address issues of concern to urban youth. Images of Sex and Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Romance and Religion and Politics, are all executed with intentional carefree brush strokes and vibrant primary colors. The images immediately resonate on the shared experiences of contemporary urban life.
Born in Bandung in 1976, Arya Pandjalu graduated in 2005 with a degree in printmaking from the Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) Yogyakarta. He has been exhibiting his work widely through numerous group exhibitions throughout Indonesia and abroad. For this exhibition Pandjalu has constructed a personal ‘icon’ which appears to be a hybrid of a man and a bird. Perhaps the icon represents the corporal embodiment of a man together with the ethereal qualities of an angel. An innocent ‘everyman’ wandering in an evil and corrupting world. In canvases such as ‘Situation Today’ and ‘Jail House Bird’ this icon finds itself contemplating moments of urban angst. Still, it is in its sculptural form, in works such as ‘Jaga Tanah Ini’ and ‘Keep the Lights on’, that the icon takes on an almost Egyptian quality. Pandjalu presents a modern day deity decorated with everyday mundane items that imbued a substantial amount of mystery and magic to the pieces.
Farhan Siki was born in Lamongan, East Java, in 1971, and he is an award winning comic and mural artist. He has collaborated in numerous murals, found objects and street art projects throughout Indonesia. Created from enamel paint on corrugated iron, Siki’s very large work ‘Are You Happy?’ displays a selection of pop icons suggesting a consumer ‘paradise’. Yet, it is in the flickering embedded text, created by the waves within the corrugated iron, that Siki’s strong political message can be found. “We are looking for artificial happiness” implies the prefabrication of today’s consumer society.
This exhibition comes as a breath of fresh air. It abounds with energy, enthusiasm, vivaciousness, wit and humor. The artists speak directly to their ‘youthful’ audience utilizing a ‘street’ language which is immediately recognizable. Within the gallery space they create a thrilling ‘urban jungle’ which makes some very pertinent and astute perceptions on the current Indonesian social, economic, and political environments. Nonetheless, there is only one way to describe this exhibition, and that is: A hell of a lot of fun!
